1982 S-500???

[DigDoug]

I am new to these forums, so first let me say hello, everyone!!!! Second, I am in the process of buying what is not only my first G&L, but also my first electric guitar... I'm wondering if you guys can help me date it...the only serial number I have found is on the bridge-G011014(I haven't taken it apart to find more)...From what I can tell from what I've read is that ser. # would make it an '82...BUT it has 2 extra toggle switches on it, so would they be aftermarket switch-mods, or was that something g&l did?? Also, Am I correct in this guitar being an 82??? Once we determine all of this, then I'm wondering what this guitar is worth...it's in good condition with lots of use,lol, mechanically sound,though...

[Miles Smiles]

Welcome!

Without pictures, it's hard to tell something.

I've got mine last year for $ 695, it's in great condition and unmodified, with a nice hard shell case, but not the original one. BTW, these guitars are a lot longer than the current ones, so they do not fit in a case, which is perfect for a Legacy or current S-500.

[KenC]

A picture would help us figure things out. The serial numbers didn't go in order and are therefore of very little value in nailing down a date. The fact that it's on the bridge, however, does nail it down as an '82 (first production year) or early '83 (the year the numbers moved to the neck plate). The only way to know the date for sure is to remove the neck and check the production stamps. My S-500 is such a sweet player that I've never checked the dates. Like the one you are looking at, I know it is an '82 or '83. I will try to post a photo later.

A couple of things to keep in mind with the early S-500s:

1. The pickguard and control plate are two separate pieces. Both are metal, with a black crinkle finish. Anything else on an S-500 with a bridge serial number is a modification.

2. There were several body woods in use at the time. Most early S-500s are either ash or mahogany. Usually mahogany was used under sunburst or clear finishes, but my 'hog is black. Miles's looks to be ash. I've never compared the two woods in an S-500, but my ash F-100 is much brighter and crisper on all settings than my 'hog F-100. The 'hog body definitely accentuates lows and mids.

3. The pickups should have squared ends and a G&L logo on the cover. The rounded ends came a couple of years later with the Nighthawk and Skyhawk models. They're all great pickups, but there were sonic differences.

I paid about $650 for mine about two years ago, with a non-original case. As Miles said, replacement cases are hard to find for these guitars due to the headstock length. Mine is all original, but has a fair share of minor dings around the body. I've seen them go over the past year for as low as $500 for a beater, on up to $1000 in great condition with OHSC. The 'hogs seem to command a slightly higher price than others.

I hope this helps.

Ken

[DigDoug]

I'll post a picture soon, and It has the original case. (which I assume will increase value??) And what about the extra switches? Aftermarket mod?

[KenC]

I'm guessing extra switches would be an aftermarket mod. I'm wondering what they would be for. One could be a take on the expander switch used on newer S-500s to give an extra pickup combination. Some of the other early G&L models had some other switching options, so those could have been copied as well.

The original case wouldn't necessarily increase the guitar's value, but it will avoid the hassle of finding one that fits the instrument.

Ken

[Craig]

I'm guessing extra switches would be an aftermarket mod. I'm wondering what they would be for. One could be a take on the expander switch used on newer S-500s to give an extra pickup combination. Some of the other early G&L models had some other switching options, so those could have been copied as well.

The original case wouldn't necessarily increase the guitar's value, but it will avoid the hassle of finding one that fits the instrument.

Ken

Not a hassle at all. The current Deluxe Hardshell Tolex Case w/Fitted Interior for the F-100/Rampage work perfectly for an '80's vintage S-500. Check out the G&L online store for
them.

[Craig]

I'll post a picture soon, and It has the original case. (which I assume will increase value??) And what about the extra switches? Aftermarket mod?

For posting photos, see Tutorial: Posting photos.

The extra switches are definitely an aftermarket mod.

Looking forward to seeing you S-500. Also, please update the current registry entry in our G&L Registry.
Only the model and body color is listed.

[DigDoug]

Will do!!! Pics should be up tomorrow!!!

[DigDoug]

HERE IT IS!!!
http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic ... 118&t=7829

[louis cyfer]

when you resized the pics, you didn't have constrain proportions checked, so they are distorted.

[darwinohm]

DigDoug, you now have a vintage G&L S-500, Congrats-- Darwin

[KenC]

Yep, that's an oldie. Do you know what the body wood is? Sunbursts were usually shot over mahogany, but the dings on the front look way too light for a 'hog. It's hard to tell with the distortion/blurriness, but this one could be maple or ash. Maple would be interesting with the old square-end MFDs.

Ken

[DigDoug]

As I said before, I haven't quite gotten her paid off yet....when I do, we have a reputable music store in town that I'll have her gone through and know more...I'll keep ya'll posted!!!!